Richards moves up

In advance of Canada's marquee preliminary game against the U.S. tomorrow, versatile Flyers captain Mike Richards has been moved up from the Canadians' third line to the first line, where he will skate with Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash.

Richards, promoted for his versatility, effort and physical play, replaces Jarome Iginla, whose health has been in question. Iginla netted a hat trick in an 8-0, opening win over Norway, but he did not get off a shot against the Swiss on Thursday, when Canada's nemesis forced a shootout before falling. Iginla appears headed for the third line.

Richards came into the Games as a possible game-to-game scratch possibility, but his goal in the first game and his two shots and strong play aainst the Swiss has made him worth a shakeup gamble.

The Canadians, like the Americans, were off Friday and practiced yesterday.